title: The transpedicular approach for the study of intervertebral disc regeneration strategies: in vivo characterization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To characterize in vivo the transpedicular approach (TA) as an alternative route to study intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration strategies in a sheep model.
  
  
  METHODS
  48 IVD of 12 sheep were used. TA was performed under fluoroscopy, followed by nucleotomy (2-mm shaver resector). A polyurethane scaffold was used to repair the end-plate. X-ray and MRI images were acquired pre-, intra- and post-operatively (1, 3, 6 months). Complications were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TA was feasible in all animals; nucleus pulposus (NP) from L1 to L5 was accessible. Nucleotomy followed by end-plate repair was achieved. Loss of NP signal intensity was shown in MRI images of the nucleotomy group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TA is feasible in vivo, repeatable after only a short learning period and safely performed without significant morbidity. This animal model allows the study of IVD degeneration physiopathology and investigation of IVD regeneration techniques in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro Del Portillo 200, 00128, Rome, Italy, g.vadala@unicampus.it.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vadalà
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: De Strobel
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernardini
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Denaro
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: D'Avella
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Denaro
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D012107:Research Design; D012756:Sheep